How to make an Irish Coffee

Irish Coffee has traveled the world, and how it has been made has evolved as it passed from person to person. But today, you can make it as it was originally intended to be made. Here are the step-by-step instructions to make the perfect cup of Irish Coffee

1.First, for the perfect cup of Irish Coffee, you must use an Irish Coffee Glass

2.Make your coffee hot, strong and black.

3.Make your whipped cream.  In a large bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks are just about to form. Beat in vanilla and sugar until peaks form.

4.Your cup and utensils must be hot. To do this, place your teaspoon in your Irish Coffee Glass and fill with boiling water for at least five seconds.

 5.In your pre-warmed glass, put a good measure of Irish Whiskey. How much is a good measure? Roughly a shot glass full, give or take based on preferences. Now add 1 teaspoon of brown sugar.

 6.Fill your glass to about a ½ inch from the brim with really hot, strong coffee. Stir well to melt all the sugar.

7.Now carefully pour your lightly whipped cream over the back of a spoon so that it floats on top of the coffee. Do not stir after adding the cream, as the true flavor is obtained by drinking the hot coffee and Irish Whiskey through the cream.

8.Now sit back, relax and enjoy. Slainte!

Did you know that Irish Coffee originated in Foynes, Ireland? Foynes and Flying Boats will be forever connected with Irish Coffee as they combined to give us the uniquely Irish treat! This came about, it is said, in order to alleviate the suffering of cold and wet passengers during its aviation days in the 1930s and early 40s.

Learn more about Irish Coffee on your next trip to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations!

Rathbaun Farm, a truly Irish experience

If you are looking for a traditional Irish experience, plan a visit to Rathbaun Farms in County Galway. Here you’ll learn about traditional farming methods, watch the resident border collie herd sheep and chat over tea and scones.

The Burke and Connolly family have been farming Rathbaun Farms for over 200 years. The main livestock are sheep, but the barns contain a wide variety of animals. Fintan Connally will describe the various breeds of sheep and cattle. Visitors are invited to hand feed the new lambs with bottles of milk, between March and November. Early Summer visitors will witness sheep shearing. Fintan gives a skilled demonstration of this task.

Afterwards, Frances and her team will welcome you into the cottage for some home baked and freshly prepared scones, soda breads and preserves along with the best pot of Irish tea you’re likely to experience anywhere in the country. Here you can chat with the family. Visitors will be enchanted by the cozy thatched cottage home, turf fire, stonewalls and an array of animals.

Visit Rathbaun Farms for a truly traditional Irish experience on a number of Celtic Tours escorted tours of Ireland. Our Celtic Dream tour is a thorough look into traditional and contemporary Irish life. Along with Rathbaun Farms, visitors on our Celtic Dream Tour with visit Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Kilkenny Castle, Cobh Heritage Center, Blarney, Dingle Peninsula, Foynes Flying Boat Museum, Galway Crystal Factory and much more!

Dinner, a Show and Away You Go

Dinner, a Show & Away You Go! 

Self-Drive Super Sale!!

6-nights Independent Vacation

Featuring 2-nights Dublin with Dinner and A Show

plus 4-nights open B&B voucher and Car Rental!

Take advantage of Super Sale pricing - on this extra value self-drive vacation.

• Transfer from Dublin Airport to your Dublin Hotel
• 2-Nights Dublin - Arlington Hotel; with 1 Night B&B - and 1 Night Dinner + Entertainment at the famous Celtic Rhythm "Irish Dancing Night" right at your hotel
• Four nights open B&B accommodations - choose from over 1000 B&B's throughout Ireland or choose to upgrade to open hotel vouchers on one or all nights.
• 4-Days car rental with touring map provided with rental
• Irish Hotel Taxes
• FREE 5-minute phone card

Celtic Tours offers low airfares from your home city that can be combined with this fantasic deal!

It's Freedom, Flexibility - and Endless Possibilities! Learn more about this great Celtic Tours Vacation Package!

West of Ireland Tour

New! West of Ireland Escorted Motorcoach Tour of Ireland

New Budget Escorted Motorcoach Tour - updated itinerary and lower prices!

Discover the majestic West of Ireland. Travel back in time as you visit Achill Island with its wild views of mountains and beaches. See the remains of deserted cottages from the famine years. In Donegal, we will see the highest cliffs in Europe at Slieve League. See spinning, knitting and weaving as we travel along scenic routes to Ardara and Glenties.

Your New West of Ireland tour includes:

* First Class and Superior First Class hotels throughout.
* Full Irish breakfast daily, except day of arrival.
* Dinner daily.
* Full sightseeing by Deluxe Touring Motorcoach.
* Professional Irish driver/guide to escort you throughout.
* Visits to Foynes Flying Boat Museum, Galway Crystal Showrooms, Killybegs and the Irish tweed areas of Ardara and Glenties, Achill Island, Cong and Gaelic speaking Connemara.
* Porterage of one (1) suitcase per person.
* Tips and taxes in Ireland. Gratuities to the driver/guide not included.
* Celtic Tours flight bag and portfolio of travel documents.


Join Celtic Tours for a tour of the West of Ireland

Irish Chocolate Shops

Mmmm Chocolate! A little moment of happiness. Whether your traveling with children, friends or your hubby; who can resist the sweet temptation of handmade chocolate? Try these Irish Chocolate Shops:

Wilde Irish Chocolates
Tuamgraney | Clare
Chocolate is probably the one food that’s practically irresistible. Even the exotic names of the Wilde products are a temptation – Hazelnut Duet, Mocha Mocha, Truffle Temptation. Wilde is the only Irish maker of Organic Fairtrade chocolate, certified by the Organic Trust. There’s also a range of conventional and sugar free hand-decorated products. All the chocolates are handmade by the ‘Wilde Team’ in a small artisan outlet in Tuamgraney.

Skelligs and Cocoa Bean Chocolate Company
Ballinskelligs | Kerry
The Skelligs Chocolate Company and Cocoa Bean Chocolate Company have their production factory and shop on the tip of the Ring of Kerry Peninsula, right by St Finian’s Bay. Skelligs chocolates were created for the luxury market. These truffles use best chocolate from France and Switzerland, married with superb quality ingredients in the flavoured centres. Regulars on the choccie tasting menu include Vanilla Ganache, Strawberry and Champagne and Cognac and Cappucino.

Chez Emily Fine Handmade Chocolates
Ashbourne | Meath
Magical would seem to be the appropriate word for the Chez Emily Chocolate Boutique on Ashbourne’s Main Street. The shop front design with its two large windows offer a tantalising glimpse of the treasures inside, and oh what treasures! With a selection of over 30 different types, the counter is chock-a-block with the most delicious-looking individual chocolates – rum and raisin, cognac, vanilla, crème caramel are just some of the tempting names. Flake truffle supreme, amandine, (truffle coated in roasted almond flakes), cocoa delights, chocolate Florentines, candied orange segments, cherry liqueurs – even the names conjure up images of delights to come.

Marlenes Chocolate Haven
Westport | Mayo
Tucked away in a lovely little courtyard off James Street in Westport is the delightful shop that is Marlene’s Chocolate Haven. Not only a haven but also an absolute heaven for chocolate lovers. How can you choose between 30 varieties of chocolates and truffles? Especially when they have enticing names such as Love Potion or Rose Cream?

Planning a vacation to Ireland? Let Celtic Tours World Vacations help you plan the perfect Irish Vacation.

Free in Ireland

Everybody loves FREE! And Ireland has plenty of it. Whether you are visiting for the first time or the hundredth, here is a short list of some of the free attractions and activities in Ireland.

Museums & Galleries: All Ireland's National Museums are free of charge! Visit the Natural History, the Archaeology and History and the Decorative Arts and History Museums in Dublin and learn all about the country's colorful past. Many Art Galleries are free too - try the National Gallery or Ireland's Museum of Modern Art. www.museum.ie

St. George's Market: One of Belfast's oldest attractions, there has been a Friday market on the St. George's site since 1604. Home to some of the finest fresh produce, this charming Victorian building attracts visitors from near and far to sample the delights of Friday and Saturday markets. Sample the produce, relax with a coffee and a newspaper against a backdrop of live jazz or flamenco music. This market is a real Saturday treat and a great outing for all the family.

St. Anne's Cathedral, Belfast: Explore the treasures of this Irish-roman-style cathedral. Mounted on top of the cathedral is the new, modern spire, 'Spire of Hope', rising 100 metres above the city. www.belfastcathedral.org

The Causeway Coastal Route and the Giant's Causeway (Co. Antrim): The Giant's Causeway, the source of legends of gigantic proportions, is a 50 to 60 million year old landmark of Ireland's natural and mystical beauty. Located in County Antrim, the causeway was named the fourth greatest natural wonder of the United Kingdom and is the most popular tourist attraction in Northern Ireland. Entry is free (although there is a fee for nearby parking). www.causewaycoastandglens.com

Downpatrick Cathedral and St. Patrick's Tomb: This 19th century gothic cathedral was constructed on a sacred site. Its cemetery contains the tomb of St. Patrick. www.visitdownpatrick.com

Connemara National Park, Co. Galway: the park covers 2,957 hectares of magnificent landscape. The Interpretation Centre presents expositions on the fauna and flora, and a film. Visitors can make use of the hiking trails and picnic areas. www.connemaranationalpark.ie

Hunt Museum, Co. Limerick: Entry is free every Sunday between 14:00 to 17:00. One of the most beautiful private collections of art and antiques in the world, ranging from Neolithic to modern times, and includes a range of works by Renoir, Picasso and Yeats. www.huntmuseum.com

Croagh Patrick, Co. Mayo: The tradition of pilgrimage to this holy mountain stretches back over 5,000 years from the Stone Age to the present day without interruption. Croagh Patrick is renowned for its Patrician Pilgrimage in honour of Saint Patrick, Ireland's patron saint. It was on the summit of the mountain that Saint Patrick fasted for forty days in 441 AD and the custom has been faithfully handed down from generation to generation. www.croagh-patrick.com

Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry: one of the most popular parks in Ireland, its history-rich scenery will leave you speechless. Walk amongst its 10.236 hectares to see its Torc Waterfall. www.killarneynationalpark.ie

Muckross Friary & Gardens, Co. Kerry: This Franciscan Friary was founded in the 15th century and is in a remarkable state of preservation. The cloister and its associated buildings are complete and an old yew tree stands in the centre.

Kilmacurragh Arboretum in Co. Wicklow: Around the ruins of a fine Queen Anne style house lie 52 acres of wild Robinsonian gardens began in 1715 and further expanded with the advice of the Directors of the Botanic Gardens in Dublin during the 19th century. Rare trees and shrubs abound for you to explore. Admission is free.

With so much to do and see in Ireland, it can be hard to choose. Let the travel experts at Celtic Tours help you. Visit our website to learn about our Irish Vacations!

Cooking Classes in Ireland

Cookery Schools in Ireland

Want to take a cooking class on your next vacation to Ireland? There are many to choose from with classes ranging from traditional Irish cuisine to fusion cuisine.

Rory O’Connell Cookery School
Snugboro, Ballybraher, Ballycotton, Co Cork

Things are cooking nicely in Ballycotton… Rory O’Connell, ex-Head Chef of Ballymaloe House and one of the principal teachers at Ballymaloe Cookery School, has struck a serious culinary note with his new Bespoke Cookery Classes. Classes at Snugboro are designed for groups from two to twelve people, which gives a really intimate feel. A sample menu: Spicy Moroccan Lentil Soup, Risotto of Autumn Greens, Roast Butterflied Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Herb mayonnaise, creamy Colcannon and a superb Chocolate Meringue Roulade with Blackberries and Sweet Geranium.

Dublin Cookery School
2 Brookfield Terrace, Blackrock, Co Dublin.

It is hard not to be affected by Lynda Booth's enthusiasm. Her passion for food and teaching is apparent immediately and what better place to combine these two loves than in a cookery school? Housed in a dazzling purpose-built premises, the bright, spacious kitchens of the Dublin Cookery Schools are the perfect setting for novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. With 12 fully-equipped workstations, complete with hobs and ovens, students learn tricks of the trade in a supportive and challenging environment. As they say themselves, ‘serious food in a relaxed atmosphere'. The course list is extensive, including fish and bread courses, barbecue, entertaining, Californian cuisine, teen friendly courses and many more. This, combined with Lynda's exuberant style and the fabulous space makes for a seriously fun learning experience.

Donnybrook Fair Restaurant, Food Hall & Cookery School
89 Morehampton Road, Donnybrook, Dublin 4.

This urban restaurant, cookery school, deli and foodstore has everything a food lover will need from all over the country and even further a field. The extensive food-hall is stocked to the rafters with a mixture of fine artisan and gourmet speciality items and store-cupboard essentials. A dedicated butchery, fish counter and wonderful freshly baked breads, pastries, cakes and take-out hot and cold lunches, and not to mention the wonderful contemporary restaurant upstairs with menus that combine the finest seasonal Irish ingredients with flavours from around the world.

Tannery Cookery School (The)
10 Quay Street, Dungarvan, Co Waterford

Over a decade after Paul and his wife Máire opened their uber-stylish Tannery Restaurant, taking a high end food experience to a small Waterford town, they have now successfully opened, the Tannery Cookery School in pretty Dungarvan. Featuring a state of the art demonstration kitchen and with cookery courses for everybody, whether you are looking for a course to improve your home cooking skills, a short cookery course with friends or a tailored course to suit a corporate event The Tannery Cookery School is for you!

Ballyknocken House and Cookery School
Glenealy, Ashford, Co Wicklow

Set in private tranquil gardens in the heart of the glorious Wicklow countryside you will feel the stresses and strains of your other life melt away as soon as you arrive at Catherine Fulvio’s romantic Victorian country house. Catherine's real passion is for local produce and this is reflected in the stunning breakfasts and dinners served and in the state of the art Cookery School, which is perfectly located in a renovated Milking Parlour. With seven beautifully decorated period bedrooms with Victorian baths and brass beds and a warm welcome awaiting you what better place to re-discover the joys of cooking than at Ballyknocken House and Cookery School.

Orchard Acre Farm
36 Moynaghan North Road, Lisnarick, Irvinestown, Co Fermanagh, BT94 1LQ.

Right at the very heart of Orchard Acre Farm's success and certainly central to its charm is Teresa O'Hare. It is she, together with husband Hugh who is the driving energy of an operation so diverse in its offering that is hard to confine its labeling to any one category. It is a cookery and training centre, a gardening and vegetable hive, a wedding, conference or party venue, a voluntary work opportunity and most of all a sanctuary. Orchard Acre is a world of possibilities with one warm and very dynamic woman at its heart.

Let Celtic Tours help you choose a cooking class for your next culinary tour of Ireland. Visit our website for more details on our tours of Ireland.

Information provided by: Good Food Ireland

Ancient Ireland Escorted Motorcoach Tour

New Budget Escorted Motorcoach Tour -
updated itinerary and lower prices!

For those with limited time to spend in Ireland, Celtic Tours brings you the 6-day/4-Night Ancient Ireland Tour. A breathtaking shorter tour that brings you the best of scenic and Ancient Ireland! This is a great tour to combined a self-drive tour to extend your stay and make it a vacation of a lifetime.

Your New Ancient Ireland tour includes:

* First Class and Superior First Class hotels throughout.
* Full Irish breakfast daily, except day of arrival.
* Dinner daily.
* Full sightseeing by Deluxe Touring Motorcoach.
* Professional Irish driver/guide to escort you throughout.
* Visit to Killybegs and the Irish tweed areas of Ardara and Glenties, Achill Island, Cong and Gaelic speaking Connemara.
* Porterage of one (1) suitcase per person.
* Tips and taxes in Ireland. Gratuities to the driver/guide not included.
* Celtic Tours flight bag and portfolio of travel documents.

Airfare: Air is not included in the package price. Celtic Tours offers a wide range for air options. Visit www.celtictours.com for the latest airfare from your home city.

Learn more about this exciting new escorted motorcoach tour of Ireland

Did you know!

Shannon is the first airport in the world, outside of the Americas, to offer Full US Preclearance facilities to passengers travelling to the USA.

This new upgraded service allows US bound passengers to undertake all immigration, customs and agriculture inspections at Shannon prior to departure, making your arrival in the US easier and faster.

Irish Rose: Escorted Motorcoach Tour of Ireland

Premier Escorted Motorcoach Tour!

Enjoy this scenic 10 day / 8 night tour of Ireland with an updated 2011 itinerary with added attractions. Highlights include: Dingle Peninsula, Foynes Flying Boat Museum, Medieval Castle Banquet, Galway Bay, Glenveagh Castle, Inishowen Peninsula, Giants Causeway, Belfast and the Titanic Tour.

Your Irish Rose Tour includes:

* First Class and Superior First Class hotels throughout.
* Full Irish breakfast daily, except day of arrival.
* Dinner each evening except for two nights in Dublin, including a traditional medieval castle banquet.
* Full sightseeing by Deluxe Touring Motorcoach.
* Professional Irish driver/guide to escort you through out.
* Visit to Rathbaun Farm to see an actual working farm, including coffee/tea and Irish Farmhouse scones.
* Lough Foyle Ferry.
* Visits to: Dingle Peninsula, Foynes Flying Boat Museum, Cliffs of Moher, Rathbaun Farm, Galway Crystal Factory, Belleek Pottery Factory, Glenveagh Castle and National Park, Fort Dunree, Moville Pottery, Giants Causeway, Titanic Docks & Pump House.
* Porterage of one (1) suitcase per person.
* Tips and taxes in Ireland. Gratuities to the driver/guide not included.
* Celtic Tours flight bag and portfolio of travel documents.

Learn More About this Amazing Tour of Ireland

Irish Rambler

Premier Escorted Motorcoach Tour!

Celtic Tours fabulous new itinerary featuring Dublin, Galway and Killarney! Visit new sights like the Whitefriar Church and enjoy the scenic rugged beauty of Connemara and enjoy Dinner and Irish entertainment in Dublin.

Your Irish Rambler Tour Includes

* First Class and Superior First Class hotels throughout
* Full Irish breakfast daily, except day of arrival
* Four (4) hotel dinners
* Dinner and Irish cabaret show & entertainment in Dublin
* Full sightseeing by Deluxe Touring Motorcoach
* Professional Irish driver/guide to escort you through out
* Visits to Whitefriar Church, St. Brendan's Cathedral, Celtic Crystal Factory (or Galway Crystal), Connemara Marble factory Cliffs of Moher, Adare.
* Panoramic city tour of Dublin
* Scenic tour of the Ring of Kerry
* Porterage of one (1) suitcase per person
* Tips and taxes in Ireland. Gratuities to the driver/guide not included
* Celtic Tours flight bag and portfolio of travel documents

Learn More about this great tour!

St. Patrick's Week 2011 in Ireland

St. Patrick's Week, Ireland: Escorted Motorcoach Tour!

March 11-18, 2011: Land From $949 PP Sharing

The whole world is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day! And Dublin is the stage for the biggest and best St. Patrick’s celebrations in the world, the St. Patrick’s Festival. Thousands of Irish people and visitors alike will paint the town green for six fantastic, fun-filled days.

Join in and celebrate St. Patrick's Day festivities in Ireland on this scenic fun-filled tour. Visit Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Killarney & Kildare before taking part in the St Patrick's Day parade and festivities in Dublin.
This exciting tour features 11 meals including a night of traditional entertainment and dinner at the Merry Ploughboy Pub or similar.



Your St. Patrick's Week 2011 tour includes:

• First Class and Superior First Class hotels for 6 Nights.
• 6 Full Irish breakfasts.
• Four (4) hotel dinners.
• One night traditional entertainment and dinner at the Merry Ploughboy Pub or similar in Dublin.
• Opportunity to view the St. Patrick's Day in Dublin.
• Full sightseeing by Deluxe Touring Motorcoach.
• Professional Irish driver/guide to escort you through out.
• Visits to Cliffs of Moher, Foynes Flying Boat Museum and tour the ring of Kerry
• Optional visit to Blarney Castle and Blarney Woollen Mills
• Porterage of one (1) suitcase per person.
• Tips and taxes in Ireland.
  Gratuities to the driver/guide not included.
• Celtic Tours flight bag and portfolio of travel documents.

Learn More

***These specials are for new bookings only

Irish Mead

Traditionally, when people speak of Irish Wine, they are referring to a unique drink made from white wine, honey, and herbs called Meade. This wine was said to have been first made in secret by Irish Monks. Its origins, however are lost in pre-history with the earliest archeological evidence dating back to 7000 BC.

Mead is best known as the ancient drink of Ireland, where it was relished by the High Kings of Tara, and ever after down through medieval times, to today. Mead is considered a creative alternative to more traditional wines and compliments all meals. One excellent label of mead in Ireland today is an Irish honey wine made in Bunratty. A version of Bunratty Mead, labeled "Bunratty Meade," is imported in the United States. It is a white wine with honey and herbs added. Though very good, it is not quite the same as the Bunratty Mead served in its home town in Ireland. Traditional Irish Mead can be sampled during the famous Bunratty Medieval Banquets.

For all things Irish, Old World, and New Age, mead (or meade) is a cutting edge honey wine to serve at parties, holidays, and informal gatherings. Actually, mead has been an "in" drink for a very long time, as in over 2000 years. There are many artful ways to serve mead.

In Ireland, a traditional way to serve mead is hot, in earthen mugs. This hearkens back to the belief in its serving in the old times, at medieval tables to banish the damp and chill of a rainy climate. There are several ways hot mead can be served, similar to hot cider. As a light wine, mead is good served cold. Simply chill and pour straight glasses of the chilled wine from the bottle to serve with main courses. For a truly Irish Experience: stop into the Galway Crystal Factory to purchase Dolmen Goblets. The distinctive Celtic pattern created in the Waterford Dolmen collection has been at the heart of Irish artistry for centuries. For those captivated by the romance and mythology of Ireland, Waterford Dolmen is the link to Waterford’s Celtic past.

Sample your traditional Irish Mead at a Bunratty Medieval Banquet. Bunratty is a featured stop on the Celtic Tours 2011 Celtic Dream Tour of Ireland. This amazing Ireland Vacation is available in a 12 day and 13 day option! Other sights you will see along the way: Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Kilkenny Castle, Cobh Heritage Center, Blarney, Foynes Flying Boat Musuem, Cliffs of Moher, Rathbaun Farm, Galway Crystal Factory, Belleek Pottery Factory, Glenveagh Castle and National Park, Fort Dunree, Moville Pottery, Giants Causeway, Titanic Docks & Pumphouse…Wow, what an amazing Celtic Dream. Learn more about this tour.

You can also add the Banquet onto any Celtic Tours package to Ireland for $89 PP, entertainment and 4 course meal included. Learn More about Celtic Tours Ireland Vacation Packages

Traditional Irish Cuisine

The first ingredient that comes to mind when most people think of Irish cuisine is the potato. Irish culinary history can be traced back to three periods: pre-potato, post-potato and sans potato (the potato blight).

It is safe to say that the potato is a fundamental part of the Irish diet, and that no meal is complete without the inclusion of the potato in some shape or form. In Ireland, potato bread, aka potato farl, is a staple of Irish breakfast.

Of course the only true way to experience the wholesome goodness of traditional Irish cuisine is to enjoy the fresh home baking in Ireland itself. But here is a recipe for traditional Irish potato bread that you can prepare at home.

Ingredients for Irish potato bread

3 oz plain flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, Pinch of salt, 1 oz butter, 8oz mashed potatoes, 2 tablespoons milk, Butter to serve, Handful of scallions, if desired

Directions

Mix together the flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl, rub in the butter using the fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

Add in the scallions now if you are using them.

Stir in the mashed potato and enough milk to make soft but not loose dough. Roll out onto a floured board into a round approx ½ inch thick and mark into quarters without cutting right through the potato farl.

Place on a greased baking tray and bake in the oven at 200 degrees for about 20 minutes




Experience the wholesome goodness of traditional Irish Cooking in Ireland. Plan your Irish Vacation

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

The most complete and authentically restored and furnished castle in Ireland, a colorful folk park and the famous Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquets. This is one tourist attraction you are not going to want to miss!

Bunratty Castle, North Munster, is sited on an original Viking Trading Camp which dates back to around 970 and is the last of four castles to be built on the site. The present castle was built in 1425 by the McNamara family and remained in their possession until 1475. In the 17th Century the castle was the palace of the Earls of Thomond and was surrounded by gardens and a great deer park. The castle passed through many hands before falling into disrepair. In 1954, Lord Gort purchased the estate and returned it to its former glory. It is now the most complete and authentically restored and furnished castle in Ireland and it has been open to the public since 1960.

Bunratty Castle is a large tower house, a particular type of stone structure, built for defensive purposes as well as habitation. Tower houses appeared since the Middle Ages, especially in mountain or limited access areas, in order to command and defend strategic points with reduced forces. At the same time, they were also used as a noble's residence, around which a borough was often constructed.

Alongside the Castle is an extensive folk park, particularly popular with families, tourists and schools. The Folk Park is a colorful illustration of Irish life in the 19th and early 20th Centuries. Buildings range from the landlord’s house to the smallest peasant cottage, along with an assortment of village shops, a smithy, two watermills and an excellent collection of old farm implements. There are live demonstrations of bread baking, weaving and pottery making. The 19th century walled garden has been re-created to grow fruit, vegetable and flowers as it did when it was the source of supply to Bunratty Castle.

The famous Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquets were first held in the early 1960s and the event has grown stronger ever since. This is a dinner experience not to be missed! Each night the Ladies of the Castle, aided and abetted by the Earl of Thomond’s Butler, welcome guests from the four corners of the globe to dine at The Earl’s Banquet at Bunratty Castle. The entertainment provided by the world renowned entertainers is a fitting compliment to a mead reception in the Great Hall of the castle, a four course traditional feast and of course good wine.


If it’s Medieval Ireland you are interested in, the Bunratty Medieval Banquet is not to be missed. You can add the Banquet onto any Celtic Tours package to Ireland for $89 PP, entertainment and 4 course meal included. Learn more about Celtic Tours Ireland Packages.

Dublin Pubs

What could be more Irish than a pint at a Dublin pub? Dublin is full of pubs and picking the best is down to taste and expectations. Traditional Dublin pubs are full of atmosphere and character. Here is a short list of popular pubs in Dublin.

GRAND CENTRAL

The Grand Central is a former bank. Renovated to classic proportions, The Grand Central features four central columns set around a central dome of beautifully restored 1920 architecture. Though partly destroyed in the 1916 rising, it still houses the original safes that were still being used up until recently in its former role as a bank. Today you can still enjoy some of the original features, high domed ceilings and hand crafted stone, but now complimented with plush leather seats and dramatic chandeliers. Superb food served all day.

10/11 O’Connell St., Dublin 1
T: 01 8728658

THE QUAYS

The Quays, in the heart of Temple Bar is one of Dublin’s liveliest pubs with a great mix of locals and tourists. Live Irish Traditional Music everyday makes the pub a magnet for those looking for a bit of craic. A full restaurant on the 1st floor with a superb menu.

Originally a grain store and more recently a warehouse for Dublin Woollen Mills, the Quays Bar has become a congenial watering hole for tourists from all over the world. Stone floors, old timber benches, old bits of machines from woollen mills and factories, old furniture, books and an amazing collection of bric-a-brac all evoke memories of times gone by. Unique surrounds only topped by the atmosphere, which despite the Old World Style, is young, vibrant and buzzing.

Good drink, good food and good service all contribute to ensure that the customer – so often taken from granted in the modern world – is totally immersed in the craic, washing around in the tide of traditional music which is part of the staple diet in The Quays.

11-12 Temple Bar, Dublin 1
T: 01 6713922

THE STAGS HEAD

Established in the 1700’s, last renovated in 1895 and was the first pub in Dublin to change from gas lighting to electricity. A favorite haunt for those in the literary world including Joyce and Kavanagh over the years, you truly capture a sense of the hidden Ireland when you accidentally stumble upon The Stag’s Head. Finding it is akin to discovering a rare treasure as it is concealed through a narrow passageway off Dame Street, although access can also be gained through Exchequer Street or Georges Street. When you enter inside this feeling of discovered booty is greatly intensified as a virtual paradise of culture and old world values confronts you. This is probably Dublin’s best preserved Victorian pub - and everything here is of authentic Victorian origin. Take time to look around and savour the sumptuously carved Victorian mahogany fittings, the mosaic marble tiled floors and granite tabletops. Everywhere before you is ornate stained glass and lamp fittings, all embossed with the stamp of the Stag’s Head.

1 Dame Court, Dublin 1
T: 01 6793687

KEHOES

Off Dublin’s premier Grafton Street. This is one of the finest Victorian pubs in Dublin. Unchanged since the 19th century, it is a buzzing vibrant pub with a fantastic atmosphere and a special place in the heart of Dubliners.

The bar is decorated in the style of an old Dublin pub, with stylish wood fittings, a very narrow bar and an intimate snug at the front and a bigger snug at the back. When the owner John Kehoe died a few years ago, the bar was sold for 2.3 million punts. The new owners opened up the musty interior upstairs where Kehoe used to live, with a bar and a little parlour with comfortable seating.

The atmosphere in Kehoe's is always convivial and friendly with a chatty clientele who are not hindered by loud bar music. Their pint of Guinness is one of the best in the city and there is a full range of beers at the bar. Get there early on a weekend night, as it tends to get very busy. Best experienced on a quieter weeknight, when the relaxed and easy ambience is a refreshing contrast to the more hectic pubs around the city centre. Guaranteed to be an enjoyable experience, Kehoes is well worth a look.

9 South Anne, Dublin 2
T: 01 6778312


Learn More About Celtic Tours Premier Escorted Motorcoach Tours in Dublin